A proposal known as the Nigeria Geo-Political Zone Bill 2026 has surfaced, outlining a major restructuring of the country’s governance system. The document suggests turning the six geo-political zones into official constitutional organs of government, creating a four-tier administration structure of Federal, Zonal, State and Local governments.
The proposal has sparked widespread discussion on social media and among political observers.
What the Geo-Political Zone Bill 2026 Entails
According to the document, each of the six geo-political zones would consist of exactly seven states, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to 42. It recommends that the constitution should prohibit the creation of any additional states beyond this number.
The bill proposes abolishing the current federal allocation system and replacing it with resource control. Under the new revenue sharing formula, states would receive 50%, the Federation account 20%, geo-political zones 15%, and a National trust fund 15%. The changes would be implemented gradually with a target of full implementation by 2040.
Other key provisions include:
- Geo-political zones would maintain regional police forces to support the Nigerian Police.
- Each zone would be responsible for generating, distributing and transmitting electricity within its territory.
- The chairmanship of each zone would rotate among its governors, with a chief executive overseeing the civil service structure.
- Ultimate authority in each zone would rest with a committee of governors, supported by committees of commissioners handling sectors such as education, health, housing, transport and security.
- Zones would be responsible for building and managing secondary specialist healthcare facilities in areas like oncology, HIV/AIDS, renal care and reproductive health.
The proposal also states that if any state cannot meet its running costs, its geo-political zone would be obliged to provide support, failing which the federal government could declare a state of emergency.
Proposed New States and Capitals
The document lists 42 states distributed across the six zones, with some states retaining their current names while others have new names and proposed capitals. Examples include:
- South-South: Bayelsa, West Izon (Patani), Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta.
- Southeast: Anioma (Asaba), Orashi (Omoku), Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi.
- Southwest: Odo Oya (Ilorin), Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun.
- North-Central: Abuja (Abuja), Gurara (Kafanchan), Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger.
- Northeast and Northwest zones also have proposed adjustments and new state names.
Reactions to the Restructuring Proposal
The proposal has generated significant debate online. Supporters see it as a bold step toward true federalism, resource control and regional development. Critics have raised questions about feasibility, the proposed state creations, and how existing state boundaries would be adjusted.
The document concludes by describing the plan as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda and expresses hope for a more prosperous Nigeria.
It remains to be seen whether the proposal will be formally presented as a bill in the National Assembly or if it is part of ongoing national conversations on restructuring.
